WESTFIELD, N.J. -- U.S. Congressman Leonard Lance issued the following statement in response to the reported vandalism at the home of Democratic candidate for Congress Peter Jacob:

“The display of anti-Semitic hate symbols like the swastika is abhorrent. I stand with Peter Jacob in condemning these offensive acts of vandalism and support a full police investigation into these crimes.

“I had requested to attend the Oct. 11 press conference at Peter Jacob's home and have asked to speak to Peter personally in an effort to show bipartisan unity against racism.

“The New Jersey Anti-Defamation League recently tweeted, ‘Swift condemnation by @PeterJacob2016 and @RepLanceNJ7 demonstrates that combating hate is non-partisan’ and later added, 'Thank you @RepLanceNJ7 for strongly and swiftly condemning this incident, standing firmly with those who strive to make NJ #NoPlaceForHate.'

"Yet the Jacob campaign said I would not be invited to the press conference 'due to [my] support of Donald Trump' and Mr. Jacob himself has not responded to my repeated requests to speak with him.

"I would have said to Peter that I would take out soap and water and brush and cloth to help remove the ugly symbols of hate from the Jacob property.

"Nevertheless, I reiterate that I find vandalism of any kind reprehensible and continue to stand with Peter Jacob and all decent Americans against racism in any form.”